CEDA - Central Dredging AssociationCEDA, an independent, non-profit, non-governmental, professional society, aims to provide a forum for all those involved with any kind of activity related to dredging and marine construction and who live or work in Europe, Africa or the Middle-East.Netherlands

Link Internet Business SolutionsDatabase application systems are becoming more common than ever as websites converge with new and traditional software business models. Canada

Marintec China / CMP ChinaMarintec China is jointly-organised and managed by CMP/Seatrade and the Shanghai Society of Naval Architects and Marine Enginners. Marintec China 2009 will be held at Shanghai New International Expo Centre from 1–4 December 2009. China

Valcom srlSince 1974 Valcom srl designs, develops and manufactures measurement and control instruments in marine industry on vessels as well as in offshore applications. Italy

Pioneers in Laser Cutting Technology

2/7/2003

Cutting Edge Metal Processing (CEMP) and Bender Shipbuilding and Repair have teamed forces with Alabama Laser and BOC Gases in a National Shipbuilding Research Program (USA) project that is changing the view of what can be cut on a laser table. Until recently, the higher powered lasers of more than 6kW were limited to accurate, consistent cutting of around 1-inch (25mm) mild steel plate. The LASOX process has already proven that 4” (100mm) plate can be cut with a laser, however, only under controlled conditions in a laboratory. That process is now being moved out of the lab and onto the shop floor. This is the only production LASOX system in the world.

The LASOX process is an exothermic burning reaction in which the heat of the laser beam is used to bring the steel to ignition temperature, and a specially designed nozzle is used to deliver a supersonic stream of oxygen to the heated spot, resulting in ignition and then sustained burning. LASOX extends the thickness range of laser cutting, provides a viable alternative to conventional thick section cutting processes, and revolutionizes capabilities of low power laser system operators. Additionally, because of the cut edge surface quality, minimal heat-affected zone and ability to hold very tight tolerances, many post-cutting machining operations can be eliminated.

After 10 months of research and development a modified 6kW laser cut 1-1/2 inch (38mm), using 1.5kW of laser power, plate with excellent results. Not only were the edge cuts of good commercial quality, but several ½” holes were cut in the heavy plate that could easily have been used for bolt ups. Some 2-1/2 inch (64mm) plate was also cut during the demonstration. Bender began using the new system for production cuts in late November, which has resulted in significant time savings. For example, a 1” plate that requires 60 pierces would normally take 1 hour to process, 1 minute per pierce. Using the LASOX system, the processing time is reduced to 20 minutes, 5 seconds per pierce plus 15 minutes for system set-up, saving 40 minutes per plate